PM Modi receives Nigeria’s second highest award – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday appointed Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), making him the second foreign dignitary after Queen Elizabeth to receive the honour, which, he said, symbolized the bond between India and Nigeria. as well as their collective commitment to democracy, development and mutual prosperity.
GCON, the West African nation’s second highest national award, was conferred on Modi by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. This is Modi’s 17th international award. The GCON was granted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1969.
During his speech, Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and the enduring friendship between India and Nigeria. “Today, as I accept this honor, I do so with great humility. This award symbolizes not only the bond between our two nations, but also our collective commitment to democracy, development and mutual prosperity,” the Prime Minister said. His visit to Nigeria, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, was also the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years.
President Tinubu praised Modi’s leadership and his achievement in winning three consecutive elections, a feat he described as particularly commendable in a complex society like India.
Several BJP leaders, including Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal, said the prestigious recognition marks an important milestone in deepening the conflict. bilateral ties between India and Nigeriaand recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to unlock the South’s potential through closer cooperation.